35 microbusinesses in Astir Area have been supported to recover from the earthquake and the pandemic

35 microbusinesses in Astir Area in Tirana have been supported by UNDP and Tirana Municipality to recover from the impact of the November 26 earthquake and the COVID 19.

Mr. Nuno Queiros, Deputy Resident Representative during his visit to the businesses that have benefited from “In Motion” Astir
Photo Credits: UNDP Albania

The 35 businesses have benefited from a UNDP-tested Methodology called “In Motion” which is designed to support micro, small and medium enterprises through personalized technical assistance to improve the management skills of business owners, modernization of commercial image and providing small grants to purchase new equipment.

For a period of 4 months, the 35 businesses that were selected to be part of “In Motion” after an assessment of their socio-economic situation, have been part of group training and personalized individual consulting, by business and commercial image experts.

The business owners have been trained on how to improve their business plan, sales, and marketing, they also have been trained on how to apply business steps such as planning, monitoring of activities, finances, marketing, and services.

To maximize the effects of the technical assistance and support, In Motion has provided the 35 businesses with new equipment and helped them create their commercial image.

Businesses that have benefited from In Motion include: mini markets, beauty salons, retail, small restaurants, etc. Two months into the support, the businesses have gained better managerial skills to run their businesses, have reported increased revenues and some of the businesses have also hired new employees.

During a visit to these businesses, the Deputy Mayor of Tirana, Ms. Keti Luarasi and the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Albania, Mr. Nuno Queirós engaged with the supported businesses and got first-hand information how methodology is helping their businesses grow and cope with market challenges after the pandemic.

In Motion in Astir is part of the Economic Recovery and Resilience Programme (ERR), which is implemented by UNDP and supported by the Municipality of Tirana. ERR is funded by the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of the Netherlands.